German Half Track Hanomag Sd Kfz 251-1

Kit Manufacturer: Nitto

Major Material: Plastic

Scale: 1/35

Rarity: Medium

Model Specifications:

This is a motorized plastic model kit produced in the 1970s by Nitto, a Japanese company. The same kit with the same box art was also produced under the name of AHM (Associated Hobby Manufacturers), at about the same period. Which company was the original mold producer is yet unclear. The kit comes with a metal gear box and all the wiring hardware for the battery compartment and the electric switch, but the FA13 motor is not included.

Historical Notes:

When the German Panzer Divisions were being planned in 1933, it was decided that lightly armored semi-tracked vehicles would be most suitable for the transport of infantry and support services. The development of this type vehicle was started in 1934 and the first models were used when Germany invaded Poland in 1939. Thereafter, it saw service in the French campaign and the SdKfz 251 became standard equipment at the German Army by 1942. In spite of the fact that the SdKfz 251 was underpowered, difficult to steer, had a limited vision and the unique slope of the steering wheel made handling difficult, it was an effective and useful vehicle for which supply never satisfied demand. - by Nitto